Philly J

Kid's Gym
2026-01-04 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-01-11 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-01-18 08:30 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, United States
Kid’s Gym – Indoor Free Play
Come warm up in the JCC gym and let your child burn off energy with some fun-filled free play! Our Indoor Kid’s Gym provides a safe and engaging environment every Sunday from 8:30-10am.
Kid’s Gym is perfect for crawlers through age 6 to explore, climb, and enjoy some unstructured playtime. Make friends, burn off some energy, and get some exercise in these cold winter months.
November 30, 2025 – April 19, 2026
No Kid’d Gym on: 12/28, 3/1, 3/15, 3/22
Cost:
$7 / Single Session
$50 / 10-Session Pass (save $20)
$120 / Unlimited Pass (save $48)
Purchase a Session or Pass for Kid’s Gym
We are now doing payment and registration through EZ Facility. You may already have an EZ Facility Account, especially if you have ever participated in swim lessons or enrichment classes. To learn more about creating an account and purchasing, click here for a detailed walkthrough. Pre-registration is preferred but not required.
The front desk will check you in upon arrival. The front desk can also help you purchase and schedule future sessions.
Need assistance purchasing a pass through EZ Facility? Email us!
Please note: All Kid’s Gym Passes expire on 4/21/2026. Any unused sessions must be redeemed before that date.

Red Cross Blood Drive at the J
2026-01-04 10:00 - 15:00
Red Cross Blood Drive at the J
Family Hall
Sunday, January 4 | 10am-3pm
You’re invited to donate blood at our upcoming blood drive. Please invite friends and family and sign up below. Just one donation can save 3 lives!
Click here to schedule an appointment
Maximize your blood donation. Help more patients. If you are an eligible type O, B – or A – donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Or visit redcrossblood.org and enter: KAISERMANJC to schedule an appointment
Come give blood Dec. 19-Jan. 4 and get an exclusive long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt, limited quantity available!

Gems at the J | Registration Brunch & Info Session
2026-01-06 10:00 - 11:30
Come find out about new classes and programs for Winter 2026, plus register for them as well!
Click here to register for the Registration Brunch!

Gems at the J | Trip to Woodmere for the Holidays
2026-01-07 09:30 - 14:15
Step into a world of holiday wonder with Winters at Wanamaker’s, Woodmere’s festive exhibition celebrating the golden age of department store displays. Discover the dazzling designs of John Winters, the brilliant chief artist behind Wanamaker’s legendary holiday windows and Grand Court spectacles from 1948 to 1973.
On view in the Chandelier Gallery, marvel at the sketches, renderings, and creative vision that brought joy to generations, and relive the sparkle, nostalgia, and pure enchantment of Philadelphia’s most iconic holiday traditions. We will start with brunch at CAKE and then head to our tour at 12noon.
Click here to register!

Israeli Dancing
2026-01-07 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-14 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-21 11:30 - 12:30
Join RakDan in a weekly Israeli Dance Class! Israeli dancing is a fun way to move at a slow to moderate pace while enjoying traditional Israeli music, socializing with others, and utilizing your brainpower to remember steps. No prior dance experience expected.
$250 full series, $15 drop-in rate. To register, you must purchase either a full series unlimited package or a drop-in class. (Your unlimited monthly fitness class pass, fitness 10 class pass, or fitness drop-in class passes are not eligible.) Then use this link to schedule for the dates you are coming to.
Questions? Email rachel@phillyjcc.com
(Unlimited monthly fitness class pass holders can email Jamie@phillyjcc.com for a discount code on the full series)

College Guidance Workshop - Helping Your Teen Navigate the College Admissions Process
2026-01-07 18:30 - 20:30
The teenage years are full of important decisions, new challenges, and big questions for both teens and their families. Our Preparing for What’s Ahead: A Teen and Family Program Series is designed to offer guidance, clarity, and practical tools as teens prepare for what comes next. Through expert-led workshops, conversations, and experiences, this series will explore topics such as preparing for college, navigating social media and digital life, understanding Jewish life on campus today, and learning about meaningful Israel experiences. Each program invites teens and parents to learn together, ask questions, and feel more confident moving forward.
The college application process can feel overwhelming for both teens and parents. In this workshop, parents will gain practical tools and insights on how to best support their teens through applications, essays, and decision-making.
Speaker: Razi Hecker is a Harvard graduate and a college admissions coach. He is also featured in 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays and brings years of experience helping students present their strongest, most authentic selves in the admissions process.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Political Affairs
2026-01-08 11:15 - 12:15, 2026-01-15 11:15 - 12:15
Come discuss a variety of political topics with Bill Rosenberg. What plans are in effect to subvert the upcoming midterm elections?
What is the “Great Man” Theory in Politics? This will include potentially FDR, Reagan, Trump, Cuomo and others.
What are primary elections all about and why are they important? How do they sort and limit our choices in fall general elections? What is the invisible primary.
What does the outlook for political leaders look like over the next 5 years?
What has the role of Women on the Supreme Court been? (a March Date during Women’s History Month)
Topics may change due to the political landscape of the time.
Date for the classes will be Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Feb. 5, Feb 19, March 12, 2026, with a Snow Date of March 26, 2026.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Cholent and Conversations
2026-01-09 12:15 - 13:15
Our Cholent & Conversation Series provides community members the opportunity to learn with a Rabbi, Clergy or Jewish Educator from our community! This is a monthly program meets usually on the first Friday of each month, and warm kosher vegetarian cholent is served!
Jan 9 – Rabbi Brennan
Mar 6 – Rabbi Galfand
Click here to register for Winter Cholant & Conversations!
To register for just one date, please email Rachel

Through My Eyes - Connecting Jews From Around the World
2026-01-11 11:00 - 12:00
Sundays, January 11, January 25, February 8, March 15, April 12, May 31, 2026 |11AM – 12PM
A 6-session creative program connecting teens and adults from four JCCs, Sumy and Poltava-Ukraine, Pardesia-Israel, and Philadelphia-USA, through photography. Participants explore personal and collective stories using their cameras or phones, culminating in a shared digital photo book or simultaneous exhibition across all communities.
Click here to register!

Community Trip to Israel Info Session (Zoom) Exploring a Meaningful Israel Experience Together
2026-01-11 13:00 - 14:15
The teenage years are full of important decisions, new challenges, and big questions for both teens and their families. Our Preparing for What’s Ahead: A Teen and Family Program Series is designed to offer guidance, clarity, and practical tools as teens prepare for what comes next.Through expert-led workshops, conversations, and experiences, this series will explore topics such as preparing for college, navigating social media and digital life, understanding Jewish life on campus today, and learning about meaningful Israel experiences. Each program invites teens and parents to learn together, ask questions, and feel more confident moving forward.
Interested in a community trip to Israel? Join us for an informational session where we will share plans for an upcoming Israel experience designed for our community. We will cover potential dates, highlights of the itinerary, logistics, security considerations, flights, and overall cost, with plenty of time for questions.
Speakers: Niv Sadeh, Philadelphia Community Shaliach Tal Hadad, JCCA Israel Experience Specialist
Click here to register for the zoom!

Gems at the J | Traveling The World By Drone
2026-01-13 10:00 - 23:00, 2026-01-20 10:00 - 23:00
Back by popular demand! Visit global wonders, from Kenyan conservancies to Machu Picchu, without leaving the JCC! Actual locations of “destinations will be determined by weather conditions in the prospective locations.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Intro to Drawing
2026-01-13 11:15 - 12:15, 2026-01-20 11:15 - 12:15
When we were children, almost all of us had the experience of drawing and making art; but frequently we may have received the message that only a few privileged people had “the gift”, “the talent”, “the special skill” to produce “real Art”…so many people gave up and stopped drawing altogether. No matter what your skill-level, your past experience (or lack of experience), or your age, my goal is always the same…to have you succeed with your creativity and imagination, to learn to SEE after many-lookings, and to have fun doing it. So let’s open that door, and let’s have some fun doing it!
Can’t make it to all 3 dates, email rsakofs@phillyjcc.com
Click here!

Boundless Basketball Open House
2026-01-15 17:00 - 18:00
Boundless Basketball is for ages 16 and up, where individuals with special needs will join their peers and develop basketball skills through drills and real game play. With the assistance of basketball coaches and volunteers, the program is designed to be both enjoyable and challenging to the ability level of each player.
Join our free open house/first practice of the season on January 15 from 5-6PM to meet the coaches and other players, and see what Boundless Basketball is all about.

Boundless Basketball Winter Open House
Please fill out the form to join us for our Free Winter Boundless Basketball Open House

Participant's Name(Required)

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Name of anyone joining the participant (if applicable)Email(Required)

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Phone(Required)Emergency Contact Name(Required)Emergency Contact Phone Number(Required)How did you hear about us?(Required)Waivers(Required) I agree to the below waiversLiability: By checking this box, I release, hold harmless, and indemnify the Kaiserman JCC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, as well as its agents and employees, from and against any liability on their part, of any kind whatsoever, which may arise in any manner, from use of the JCC’s facilities.

Additionally, I understand that photos or videos of myself or my family members may be taken during participation in JCC programs or use of its facilities. These images may be used by the JCC for marketing and promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, brochures, and the JCC website. To opt out of this photo release, I must email marketing@phillyjcc.com and submit a photo of each individual opting out. This opt-out must be renewed annually.

By providing my phone number and/or email address, I consent to receive communications from the Kaiserman JCC, including promotional, informational, and reminder messages, via SMS/text and email. Message and data rates may apply for text messages. Message frequency may vary. I understand that consent is not a condition of purchase and that I may opt out at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in emails or replying STOP to text messages.

Gems at the J | MLK Klezmer Jam
2026-01-18 15:00 - 17:00
World renowned musician, Dan Blacksberg will be bringing the healing power of music to the Philly KlezJam. The program will include remarks from Rabbi Shelly Barnathan (one of our sponsors, Or Zarua) who will lead us in singing “We Shall Overcome”. Lyrics will be provided.
Doors open at 2:45. If you don’t have an instrument, bring a tambourine or drum.
Here’s a link to the music we will be learning.
Whether you want to listen to music, play, sing along or dance there will be something for everyone, including snacks!
Ticket price is $18, if you register in advance ($20 at the door),
As always, if this price will cause you any financial hardship, please let us know.
We have scholarship tickets available.
You can also save money by subscribing for $72. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE to the six upcoming events:
Winter/Spring KlezJam series (2/22, 3/15, 4/12, 6/21).
This includes a ticket to the screening of “The Ancient Law’ (with a live Klezmer Score by Alicia Svigals and Donald Sosin)
at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute on April 12th followed by a KlezJam at the JCC.
By subscribing you will save $48 while showing your support for our efforts.
Would you or your business be interested in sponsorship opportunities? CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIP.
Click here to register for Klezmer Jam 1/18!

Day at the J on MLK Day 2026
2026-01-19 08:30 - 13:30
Join us for Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the J on Monday, January 19th!
We are excited to be offering multiple programs throughout the day for all ages and interests.
Join us for one or all!
All activities are free with a donation of 2 non-perishable food items (canned or boxed food).
Activities and Projects: (Please pre-register below)
Families with preschool-age children join us, from 8:30-10am, for Kids Gym with hands-on good deed stations and special yoga class with Miss Evin from 9:30-10:00.
Elementary-aged children, teens and adults, please join us from 10-11:30am for a series of hands-on service projects.
Adults and Gems at the J participants, Join us from 11:30-1:30pm for a showing of MLK/FBI, which explores the US government’s surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King. Please feel free to bring a lunch to enjoy during the film. Or, from 12:30-1:30pm join our yoga class with Roots2Rise as we offer space to rest, reflect, and move with intention while honoring the values of justice, dignity, and togetherness.

Please pre-register below, and if you are able to, bring 2 non-perishable food items (canned or boxed food).

MLK Day at the J 2026
Please fill out one form per family!

Name(Required)

First

Last

Phone(Required)Email(Required)

How did you hear about this event?(Required)How did you hear about this event?Word of mouthGems newsletterJCC newsletterInternet searchSynagogueOtherHow did you hear about this event - other?(Required)KidsGym and Good Deeds Stations

8:30-10:00am (Free)
For families with preschool aged children - Kids Gym with accompanying social action activitiesNames of Additional Family Members joining KidsGym, including ages of children.(Required)Family, Teen, and Adult Hands-On Service Projects to support Literacy and Food insecurity

10:00-11:30am (Free)
For elementary-aged children and a caregiver, tweens and teens, and adults.Names of Additional Family Members joining our Family Service Project, including ages of children.(Required)Strength in Stillness- Yoga Class with Andre Coles from Roots2Rise

12:30-1:30pm (Free)
A grounding yoga practice that invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with our inner resilience. Through accessible movement, mindful pauses, and moments of reflection, we explore how stillness can be a source of strength supporting clarity, compassion, and collective care. This all-levels class is open to the entire community and offers space to rest, reflect, and move with intention while honoring the values of justice, dignity, and togetherness.Names of Members joining our Adult Yoga Class(Required)MLK/FBI Screening and Discussion

11:30-1:00pm (Free)
After a morning of hands-on service projects, join us for showing of MLK/FBI, which explores the US government's surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King Jr.Names of Members joining our Adult Film Screening(Required)Liability Waiver(Required) I agree to the Liability WaiverBy checking this box, I release, hold harmless, and indemnify the Kaiserman JCC and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, as well as its agents and employees, from and against any liability on their part, of any kind whatsoever, which may arise in any manner, from use of the JCC’s facilities.

Additionally, I understand that photos or videos of myself or my family members may be taken during participation in JCC programs or use of its facilities. These images may be used by the JCC for marketing and promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, brochures, and the JCC website. To opt out of this photo release, I must email marketing@phillyjcc.com and submit a photo of each individual opting out. This opt-out must be renewed annually.

By providing my phone number and/or email address, I consent to receive communications from the Kaiserman JCC, including promotional, informational, and reminder messages, via SMS/text and email. Message and data rates may apply for text messages. Message frequency may vary. I understand that consent is not a condition of purchase and that I may opt out at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in emails or replying STOP to text messages.

MLK Vacation Day For Grades K-5
2026-01-19 08:30 - 17:00
When school is out, the fun (and purpose) is on! Our MLK Day Schools Out Program is a full day of meaningful activities that celebrate community, creativity, and play. Children will take part in a hands-on service project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of kindness, justice, and helping others, giving them a chance to make a real impact in a way that’s age-appropriate and engaging.
The day also includes high-energy fun like Laser Tag, gym games and sports, and plenty of time to run, move, and play with friends. For kids who love to create, we’ll offer art projects and creative activities, along with surprises and additional games throughout the day. It’s the perfect balance of service, fun, and creativity, a meaningful way to spend MLK Day while school is closed.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Learn and Light Bites: Looking into the New Year
2026-01-20 12:00 - 13:15
Topic: Looking into the New Year – How Your Eyes Change with Age
Speaker: Local Ophthalmologist
Discover how aging affects your eyes and learn about common conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Experience an interactive portion where you can try glasses that simulate these conditions, gaining insight into their impact. A quick vision screening will also be available to help you stay on top of your eye health.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Monthly Winter Zentangle
2026-01-20 13:30 - 15:00
Come learn the art of mindful mediation through doodling with Mindy Shapiro!
Jan 20
Embedded Letters In this session we will create or and refine our “chop” – the Initial or initials we use to sign our Zentangle® work. We will then embed the letters in the beautiful tangle “DivaDance”.

Feb 17
Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse Our February class falls on the exact date of the Lunar/Chinese New Year. Each Chineseyear is associated with an animal and this is the year of the horse. We will learn beautiful tangles with which to decorate a horse outline.

Mar 17
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day: The Celtic knot. Celtic Knots are endless, interwoven loops symbolizing eternity, interconnectedness, love, and spiritual journeys. In this class we will draw a basic celtic knot and fill it in with Zentangle® fragments.

Looking to drop in? Email rsakofs@phillyjcc.com for a $15 rate
Click here to register for the Zentangle Series!

Pop-up Dance Tone with Olga
2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:00
Dance Tone is a dance-based workout class featuring hip-hop, cardio, and Latin Zumba-inspired choreography. This class delivers a fun, full-body workout designed for all levels with easy to follow repetitive movements and high energy music.
About the Intructor, Olga: I grew up as a competitive Latin ballroom dancer and discovered dance fitness as a way to stay active and grounded during the intense years of
medical school. Dance has always been my outlet, and I love sharing that energy through classes that are fun, empowering, and accessible for everyone.
This class is $18/drop in or you can use your unlimited monthly class pass.
Please join us on both or either of our class dates on 1/20 and 1/24!
Click here to register for 1/20!
Click here to register for 1/24!

Tai Chi
2026-01-21 11:00 - 12:00
In this five week series, you’ll learn the easy, flowing set of moves called the Eight Form Yang Style Tai Chi, a graceful sequence of arm and body movements coordinated with breathing, often considered the gateway to all tai chi techniques and benefits. Each class includes a warmup, guided breathing, and two new movements, building to the complete routine by week five. Practicing briefly at home between classes will enhance your results.
Active unlimited monthly class pass holders can take this class for only $40.
This class is for adults of all ages!
Click here to register for Tai Chi 5 Week Series!

Gems at the J | Canasta Lessons
2026-01-21 11:00 - 12:30
Canasta is a fun, fast-paced card game of strategy and teamwork. This class is for beginners, who have never played before. Come challenge your mind to a new card game, in a small group setting.
Click here to register!

Gems at the J | Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof: American Jews and Social Justice
2026-01-22 12:30 - 13:30
Inspired by Jewish teachings and their historical experience, Jews have been disproportionately represented in movements for social justice in this country. Using memoirs, speeches, writings and organizational records, we will examine the prominent roles played by rabbis, political figures, labor organizers and other activists in advocating for the rights of disadvantaged members of American society. With Dr. Reena Sigman Friedman.
Click here to register for the Lecture!

Gems at the J | Eat Well, Be Well Series - Whole Grains
2026-01-23 12:30 - 13:15
Each month, join Rachel Sakofs—our very own Gems manager and a registered dietitian—for fresh insights on food, eating, and overall health. Sponsored by IBX.
TOPIC: Whole Grains
Click here to register for Eat Well Be Well!
